Who is running for U.S. Senate in Kentucky in 2026?

The confirmed candidates for Kentucky Senate in 2026 include: Mitch Mcconnell (R).

When is the Kentucky Senate election in 2026?

The Kentucky U.S. Senate election is part of the November 2026 Midterm Elections, scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Is the Kentucky Senate race competitive in 2026?

The Kentucky Senate race is considered one of the key contests in the 2026 Midterm Elections. Visit Vote26.com for the latest candidate positions and race updates.

Who Is Running for Senate in Kentucky in 2026?

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Mitch Mcconnell

(Incumbent)

R·Republican

Economy

Medium

Mitch McConnell supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Senate Amendment to H.R. 1) on July 1, 2025, which aimed to deliver a thriving economy and reduce wasteful spending. He also supported tabling an amendment to strike all earmarks from the FY26 funding bill on January 30, 2026. Additionally, in March 2025, he sponsored S.930, a bill seeking to exclude capital gains from farmland sales reinvested in individual retirement plans from gross income.

Immigration

High

Mitch McConnell has supported border security, including a national emergency, and some DACA protections. He voted for the Immigration Act of 1990, which created various visa categories, and has consistently supported increasing limits for foreign guest workers and H1-B applicants. Conversely, he supported the 2018 Secure and Succeed Act, which aimed to limit family-sponsored migration. He recently voted against an immigration deal he helped craft, citing that members believed it would not become law.

Healthcare

High

Mitch McConnell supports reducing federal spending on healthcare, particularly through Medicaid cuts, citing the need to eliminate waste and abuse. He voted against a joint resolution on January 13, 2026, which sought to disapprove a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's market integrity and affordability. He also advocates for protecting rural hospitals while implementing these changes.

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Democratic Candidate

D · Democratic

No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.

Issue	Mitch Mcconnell
Economy	Mitch McConnell supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Senate Amendment to H.R. 1) on July 1, 2025, which aimed to deliver a thriving economy and reduce wasteful spending. He also supported tabling an amendment to strike all earmarks from the FY26 funding bill on January 30, 2026. Additionally, in March 2025, he sponsored S.930, a bill seeking to exclude capital gains from farmland sales reinvested in individual retirement plans from gross income. Medium
Immigration	Mitch McConnell has supported border security, including a national emergency, and some DACA protections. He voted for the Immigration Act of 1990, which created various visa categories, and has consistently supported increasing limits for foreign guest workers and H1-B applicants. Conversely, he supported the 2018 Secure and Succeed Act, which aimed to limit family-sponsored migration. He recently voted against an immigration deal he helped craft, citing that members believed it would not become law. High
Healthcare	Mitch McConnell supports reducing federal spending on healthcare, particularly through Medicaid cuts, citing the need to eliminate waste and abuse. He voted against a joint resolution on January 13, 2026, which sought to disapprove a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's market integrity and affordability. He also advocates for protecting rural hospitals while implementing these changes. High
Climate & Energy	Mitch McConnell voted against the Green New Deal in 2019. He received a 0% score in 2024 and a 9% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. In 2026, he voted for the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. He also voted against a joint resolution to disapprove an EPA rule concerning air quality for South Dakota's Regional Haze Plan. Medium
Abortion & Reproductive Rights	Research pending more substantial sources. Medium
Foreign Policy	Mitch McConnell advocates for robust U.S. military funding and national defense, emphasizing that hard power is essential for national security. He supported requiring congressional consent for NATO withdrawal in the FY2024 NDAA and has been a strong proponent of U.S. military aid for Ukraine. McConnell also opposed a resolution disapproving the sale of tank rounds to Israel. High
Education	Research pending more substantial sources. Medium
Gun Policy	Senator Mitch McConnell has expressed willingness to support gun reform legislation, particularly if it aligns with a bipartisan framework. He stated he would support a bill incorporating incentives for red-flag laws, funding for school safety and mental health, and expanded background checks. This position reflects a shift in response to recent mass shootings, aiming to make progress for the country. High

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